Iowa 86, Michigan 83 (OT): 3 Takeaways, Highlights

IOWA CITY — The Iowa men's basketball team hung on to beat Michigan in overtime, 86-83, in its Big Ten home opener Sunday afternoon.

Here are three takeaways from the game.

1. Training Day

This Iowa team responded how Coach Fran McCaffery and Co. could only have hoped following the big road loss to Purdue. But more important than that was the way in which the Hawkeyes were able to get their 86-83 overtime win against Michigan.

It was imperfect and a bit of a roller coaster. They found themselves down seven midway through the second half after taking a lead into halftime. They had some untimely turnovers. But to each of the downs, they responded without fear – an essential result for their future.

Freshmen Jordan Bohannon and Cordell Pemsl had some of the most important plays late – two big 3s from Bohannon and a clutch block from Pemsl.

The Iowa State win might've been the day it all clicked for Iowa in general, but Sunday's might've been it for Big Ten play.

Jordan Bohannon—brother of former Badgers Jason and Zach—lines up a 3 in DJ Wilson's face to take the lead. January 1, 2017

Jordan Bohannon—brother of former Badgers Jason and Zach—lines up a 3 in DJ Wilson's face to take the lead. pic.twitter.com/tmSaQGsvEz

— Big Ten Geeks (@bigtengeeks)

2. Cold-blooded

Jordan Bohannon spent four years at Linn-Mar as by far the most-used part of the Lions' offense. He had to make big plays. It's not necessarily his job now at Iowa, but he came up as big as anyone in the final few minutes and overtime.

Two 3s – one of which regained the lead for the Hawkeyes – and effective, hard defense on the final defensive possession in regulation ensured overtime.

Not to be outdone, Peter Jok hit one of his own in overtime that provided breathing room.

It takes a player who's wired a certain way to be able to respond with poise in those kind of situations.

Irvin gambles for the steal, Jok makes him pay. January 1, 2017

Irvin gambles for the steal, Jok makes him pay. pic.twitter.com/u5qQBvw7JX

— Big Ten Geeks (@bigtengeeks)

3. Comfortable duo

Cordell Pemsl and Tyler Cook started for the first time together Sunday, and Iowa played them inside out quite a bit. They looked comfortable playing off each other and hooked up on a few inside passes that created baskets.

Defensively their communication seemed good and they helped each other in some key situations.

They combined for 16 rebounds (eight apiece) and defended well at the rim. It had to be a relief for McCaffery and his staff to see that work out so well.

Peter Jok scored 25 points, including a 3 with 1:18 to go that broke an 81-all deadlock, and Iowa hung on to win its Big Ten home opener over Michgian in overtime.